If there is a big change that has been seen in the Dallas Cowboys after the start of this season, it has been the great work of the defense. Gone are those times where the organization let anyone gain rushing yards or the great lack of recoveries. Certainly this is something that is no longer being seen, and for many it can be a strange feeling. However, there is a pleasant explanation for all this and to see how all the pieces are accommodating without problems in the equipment.
Big thanks to the arrival of Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator. The organization tried for a long time to try to get the defense to face a team that clearly had an offensive tendency in the NFL. And with Quinn it all seems like this has come to a positive conclusion. At least from what has been seen in this first part of the season.
Hero. pic.twitter.com/XoqMkyoJcw
– RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) September 28, 2021
However, if there is one element of Dallas’ defense to talk about ad nauseam, it is definitely cornerback Trevon Diggs. The player in his second year as a professional is achieving with deeds and not words what he came to comment in a press conference at training camp in Oxnard. And that claim was that he would make all the interceptions that were necessary.
Well, the defensive back already has three of them and not only that. He also had a defensive touchdown with a 59-yard rush against the Philadelphia Eagles. Without a doubt, the NFC rival East remains Diggs’ favorite victim. Since in his rookie season, the young man finished with just three interceptions, all for the Philadelphia team.
Taking a closer look at their numbers, Pro Football Focus places Dallas cornerback alongside New Orleans player Marshon Lattimore as the best cornerbacks in coverage. Averaging both a great 87.1. “It’s about growing,” Diggs said. “I feel like I’m working as hard as possible to reach the highest level that I can.”
This great performance has made Trevon Diggs the NFC defensive player of the month. Quite a great achievement not only for the player but for the Cowboys as such. Who had been waiting a long time for this moment. Let the league realize once and for all that Dallas has an efficient defense that can wreak havoc on any opposing offense if they put their mind to it.
Trevon Diggs has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Month. He has 3 interceptions in 3 games, 6 passes defended and opposing QBs have a passer rating of 40.8 when targeting him.
(Video: @NFL) pic.twitter.com/kiXxFnpzFr
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) September 30, 2021
Clearly, Diggs’ work on the playing field has largely benefited from Quinn’s schemes. The defensive coordinator is mostly using a 4-2 lineup, which gives linebackers complete freedom to move where they want. Also, defensive backs can stand out much more on the secondary line. That is why we see bigger plays by elements like Damontae Kazee and Jayron Kearse in games.
Likewise, the pile of recoveries that the team has should not be put aside. So far, the Cowboys in three weeks have a total of eight of them. Of which six are interceptions and two of them for balls recovered. And the best of all this is that the team still does not have all the starters available due to injury or various situations. As are the cases of Neville Gallimore, DeMarcus Lawrence and Keanu Neal.
.@DamontaeKazee closing the quarter with an electric play! ????#DALvsLAC | ???? Watch now on CBS & @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/ZFTjcm5vsH
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 19, 2021
Of course, not everything can be positive and there are still things in which the organization has to improve. The franchise has allowed 995 yards on passing plays so far, and right now they are second to last in the entire NFL. If a big improvement has been seen, it is in the defense of the rival rushing game allowing 211 yards and a total of 70.3 per game. Many of them were from the Chargers who had 96 yards. Since both the Bucs and the Eagles were largely neutralized. The trend is expected to stay that way against the Panthers and the fact that rival running back Christian McCaffrey will not be able to play the Cowboys.
Dallas has only one goal and that is to maintain this trend on defense to ensure better results. The next team will be Carolina on Sunday at noon, and the Cowboys already know in advance that Sam Darnold is not such an easy quarterback. However, a positive result is expected at AT&T Stadium. And of course, a lot of recoveries from the team.
